What’s more interesting is that he’s gotten money from 49 of 50 states, with only Vermont holding out, according to information from OpenSecrets.org, which is run by the Center for Responsive Politics, a non-partisan research group that tracks money in US politics.

Only 30 percent of Wilson’s contributions this election cycle have come from South Carolina and the amounts brought in from some other states is staggering given Wilson’s past history:

Wilson has received $84,660 from California supporters this cycle;

He’s gotten $82,192 from Texas contributors; and

He’s pulled in $76,295 from Florida addresses.

The last two are particularly telling because in 2008 Wilson got just $250 from Texas and $2,500 from Florida. In other words, his little outburst has helped him boost his earnings in those two states alone from $2,750 to $158,487. That’s nearly $79,250 for each word of “You lie!” or $26,414 per letter.

Who knew a government official could get that kind of return?

Snarkiness aside, the fact that rude comments appear to boost financial support for politicians is troubling.

As the Battle Creek Enquirer recently put it: “Inflammatory rhetoric may help fill campaign coffers, but it does little to ensure sound government.”